“We have seen film on these guys and [thieves] walk around looking inside of cars,” Ebsen says. “Once they see something they want, they check if the car is unlocked. If it isn’t, then they will break the windows and take it. It only takes five to 10 seconds, and that is quick.

“I remember this one case with a woman that bought a brand new BMW with new tags,” Ebsen says. “She pulled up the post office on 67 and Hampton Road, and she left her purse in the front seat. It was less than a minute, and her new BMW had a busted window and her purse was gone.”

Ebsen also points out that criminals are knowledgeable on state legislation changing burglary of a motor vehicle from a felony to a misdemeanor.

“I know a guy that broke into four cars on the same lot,” Ebsen says. “He looked me in the face and said ‘That’s OK. It’s just a misdemeanor.’”

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